It's hardly uncommon for the worlds of fashion and home to cross, often to much acclaim: Oscar de la Renta and Ralph Lauren both have successful home lines, and couture designers have been known to dabble in decor from time to time. This January, Etro, the fashion brand best known for its paisley prints, moved deeper into the home space with a collection of wallpapers. The fashion house already offered select home products including bedding, pillows, and fabric, but its latest addition marks a larger leap toward decor. It also marks a return of sorts to Etro's roots: The company was founded in 1968 as a textile design factory, and though the iconic paisleys it produced have been more visible on runways than sofas, Etro has actually made upholstery fabric since 1981. The wallpaper line, crafted in collaboration with German manufacturer Rasch, comprises four designs and a handful of coordinating solids, all of which are adaptations of Etro's textile prints, resized and rendered in slightly more muted palettes than the brand's fashion and home accessory offerings. The launch is largely the brainchild of Jacopo Etro, son of Etro founder Gerolamo and the brand's current creative director of accessories, leather, home, and textiles. As a child, the younger Etro spent hours wandering the company's textile archives and dreaming up new designs and adaptations. AD caught up with Etro to hear more about the transition from fashion to decor.

The wallpapers have a rich texture reminiscent of Etro's brocade textiles.

Architectural Digest: Why did Etro want to get into wallpaper?

Jacopo Etro: The wallpaper collection is a natural extension of our upholstery fabric collection. The heart of the brand is our family’s tradition with luxury fabrics and highly researched patterns; we are extremely dedicated to quality, artisanship, and impeccable detailing. I also think there is a great comeback for wallpaper in general.

AD: How is designing for the home different than for fashion?

JE: It is getting less and less different lately, as fashion is starting to borrow a lot from home. The more classic wallpaper designs (chinoiseries, Genoese Mezzari, and antique Zuber patterns) have been looted by many fashion designers. Designing for the home requires a lot of culture, and you have to bear in mind that you are designing something that has to last much longer than fashion. While a change in season doesn’t necessitate a change in your furniture, it may make you want to add something new to your wardrobe.

The collection features Etro's trademark paisley patterns as well as coordinating stripes and solids.

AD: What elements of Etro’s core style come through in the papers, and where did you need to make changes?

JE: I worked very closely with the Rasch company, who is producing the paper. In order to convey our brand’s DNA, we introduced paisleys and rich brocades with added texture to make them look like real fabrics, while keeping the color palette subdued and light. It’s more contemporary and less didactic.

AD: In what type of interior do you envision the papers?

JE: I think they can work in both contemporary and classic interiors. The wallpaper collection includes four prints (Arnica, Jovis, Leucio, Clorinde) lifted from the textile ranges, with additional panels in plain colors and stripes. I prefer modern furniture in an ancient palazzo and antique and ethnic furniture in a modernist building. I like contrast.

AD: Any plans for more home collections?

JE: We are working on a new collaboration for a full Etro furniture collection. This collaboration will definitely be unexpected.

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